Chapter 1.8, Problem 15P

Tell whether the given number is a solution of each equation.

$-8a-12=-4;1$

To determine

To determine whether the number $1$ is a solution of the equation:

  $-8a-12=-4$

Answer to Problem 15P

No, the number $1$ is not a solution of given equation.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

  $-8a-12=-4$

Concept Used:

To check whether a number ‘ a’ is a solution of a equation substitute a for the variable and then check whether it make equation an identity, that is if both sides left and right become equal.

Calculation:

In order to determine whether the number $1$ is a solution of the equation:

  $-8a-12=-4$

Substitute $1$ for a in given equation, as

  $\begin{array}{c}-8\times 1-12=-4\\ \Rightarrow -8-12=-4\\ \Rightarrow -20=-4\end{array}$

But above is a contradiction, as $-20\ne -4$ , thus above is not true. Thus, the number 1 does not satisfy the given equation.

Thus, the number 1 is not a solution of given equation.